it was actually more like a winter storm when you look at the science behind it. and so that is covered. >> we're watching the president and chris christie make their way to the microphone. we'll cut away to that in a moment. >> okay. >> how soon will you be able to write these checks, tom? >> we're writing checks and putting people in hotels and things right now. we're helping people get their lives back together immediately. >> can you characterize how big this storm is in terms of the bottom line on allstate, versus other storms? >> i can't speak for just allstate but the industry estimates are of course it's speculative at this point but looks like it could be the fifth biggest hurricane in the history of the united states so it's a large, severe hurricane but in terms of allstate we're well covered. >> and you are putting people up in hotels and trying to answer their claims right away is what you just said. >> we're doing everything we can. we need help contacting loved ones if they need help with water, getting clothes, getting into hotels, we have people g